Speckled Pigeon or Spinifex Pigeon?
Here's how to tell the difference
Speckled Pigeon
Spinifex Pigeon
Speckled Pigeon
Columba guinea
Also known as: African Rock Pigeon, Guinea Pigeon
General appearance
The Speckled Pigeon is a medium to large bird with a unique speckled-patterned feather coat. It is mainly grey with a pinkish hue at the chest, a white neck patch, and a metallic green back and wings spotted with white. The key identifying trait is the double black band on the tail feather.
Male vs female
In the Speckled Pigeon species, sexual dimorphism is not striking. Both sexes share the same characteristic plumage and coloration. However, males may be slightly larger than females, although this difference is hardly noticeable unless the birds are compared side-by-side.
Juvenile
Young speckled pigeons, often referred to as squabs, have a more dull grey plumage compared to adults and lack the speckled pattern. The striking white neck patch and tail band markings develop as they mature into adulthood.
Size
12.6 - 13.4 in/7.7 - 13.8 oz
There's more to learn about Speckled Pigeon
View full detailsSpinifex Pigeon
Geophaps plumifera
Also known as: Plumed Pigeon, Gannaway Pigeon
General appearance
The Spinifex Pigeon, also known as the 'Plumed-Pigeon', is a distinctive bird with its dark red-brown coloration, yellow eyes and a pointed, feathered crest. Its upper parts are deep rust-red with black bars, while its underparts are more pinkish. This species has long, spindly legs, a relatively small body size and a peculiar bobbing motion when running.
Male vs female
Both male and female Spinifex Pigeons share similar physical traits and colors, making them difficult to differentiate based on visual appearance alone. Both genders possess a prominent crest and distinct black bars on their upper parts. However, males are often slightly larger than females, displaying more pronounced coloration during courtship displays.
Juvenile
Juvenile Spinifex Pigeons are similar in appearance to adults, although they lack the mature reddish-brown coloration. Instead, they have a more greyish-brown plumage which gradually becomes more vibrant as they mature. The black bars and bright yellow eyes of the adults are not as pronounced in the young.
Size
7.9 - 9.4 in/2.5 - 4.6 oz
There's more to learn about Spinifex Pigeon
View full detailsHow to tell the Speckled Pigeon from the Spinifex Pigeon
Visual differences
The Speckled Pigeon, weighing 7.7-13.8 oz and measuring 12.6-13.4 inches, features a grey plumage with a pinkish chest, white neck patch, and metallic green wings with speckled white spots. It has a distinct red eye patch. The Spinifex Pigeon, at 2.5-4.6 oz and 7.9-9.4 inches, is smaller with dark red-brown coloration, yellow eyes, and a pointed, feathered crest. It exhibits black bars on rust-red upper parts. The Speckled Pigeon is bulkier and largely grey, while the Spinifex Pigeon has a more slender profile and rust-red tones.
Key differences and behavior
The Speckled Pigeon (8.6-13.8 oz, 12.6-13.4 in) and Spinifex Pigeon (2.5-4.6 oz, 7.9-9.4 in) differ remarkably in behavior and habitat. Speckled Pigeons are urban-tolerant, nesting in cities and rocky terrains in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Spinifex Pigeons inhabit Australia's arid spinifex grasslands and rocky areas. Speckled Pigeons court through mutual preening and head-bobbing, building twig nests on ledges, whereas Spinifex Pigeons engage in head-shaking dances, nesting in ground scrapes among grasses. Their diets overlap in seed preference, but Speckled Pigeons readily frequent bird feeders, unlike the more reclusive Spinifex Pigeons. Both species share parental incubation, but Spinifex Pigeons tend to convey aggression through head shakes, diversifying communication beyond greeting.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Speckled Pigeon vs Feral Pigeon
Speckled Pigeon vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare
Spinifex Pigeon vs [Select a bird]
[Select a bird]
Pick a bird to compare